Status of Strongyloidiasis in Japan, 2000-2017

We reported 865 cases of soil-transmitted nematodiasis occurring in Japan during 2000-2017. The predominant nematode was ( = 279, 32.3% of all cases), and other species included (30.7%), (23.1%), and spp. (13.9%). was detected primarily in patients in Okinawa and Kagoshima prefectures, which are in...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene 2020-08, Vol.103 (2), p.727-734
Main Authors: Ikuno, Hiroshi, Ishikawa, Takashi, Norose, Kazumi
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Ancylostomiasis - epidemiology
Animals
Ascariasis - epidemiology
Ascaris lumbricoides
Female
Humans
Japan - epidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Parasitic diseases
Strongyloides stercoralis
Strongyloidiasis - epidemiology
Trichuriasis - epidemiology
Trichuris
Young Adult
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Summary:We reported 865 cases of soil-transmitted nematodiasis occurring in Japan during 2000-2017. The predominant nematode was ( = 279, 32.3% of all cases), and other species included (30.7%), (23.1%), and spp. (13.9%). was detected primarily in patients in Okinawa and Kagoshima prefectures, which are in the south of Japan and are endemic areas for this parasitic infection, and also in about half of the prefectures of all Japan. At least 15.5 cases of strongyloidiasis occurred on average each year. The period incidence rate of strongyloidiasis cases relative to the total population of Japan was 0.012 cases per 10 person-years. The male-to-female ratio was 2.1. The average age was 75.1 ± 16.9 years, and 96.1% of patients were older than 50 years. Several reasons may explain why this previously non-endemic outside of Okinawa region, serious nematode disease is now found in much of Japan, including the increased number of transmigration and sightseeing trips in Japan, use of immunosuppressive drugs, and lack of awareness of the risks. Thus, information of strongyloidiasis and its risks must be disseminated to travelers, residents, and physicians to prevent this life-threatening parasite infection.
ISSN:0002-9637
1476-1645
DOI:10.4269/ajtmh.19-0969